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12/16 Could Wood come back?

There are multiple reports that the Cubs are working on a deal
with free agent Kerry Wood which would bring him back to his original team. The White Sox reportedly offered the
right-hander a two-year contract, but then signed Jesse Crain. Wood had been rumored to be seeking a
two-year, $12 million deal, which would not appear to be a good fit for
the cost-conscious Cubs. GM Jim Hendry is well-versed in Wood’s medical
history — the right-hander has been on the disabled list 14 times in his career because
of his shoulder, elbow, back and blisters. Wood, 33,
isn’t going to strike out 20 in a game but was effective in short
relief with the Yankees last season, compiling a 0.69 ERA in 24 games
(two earned runs in 26 innings, 31 strikeouts). As a starter, he has a
career 71-55 record with a 3.69 ERA, and as a reliever, he’s 12-13 with
62 saves (including 34 with the Cubs in 2008) and a 3.45 ERA.

The
Cubs do want an experienced right-hander in the bullpen to compliment
lefty Sean Marshall, and Wood would welcome coming back to Wrigley
Field. He lives in Chicago year-round.

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